Project Coordinator

The Project Coordinator manages multiple projects within the Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA). The Project Coordinator is responsible for managing several large scale projects aimed at connecting MLSA clients with services offered through special projects within MLSA. The Project Coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact for each project for the organization and, under supervision from MLSA's Deputy Director, will be responsible for project development, implementation, and management.
Specific Duties

• Work with the Director of Advocacy and Deputy Director to oversee the operation of the Rural Incubator Project for Lawyers (RIPL) program and work with staff and attorneys around the state to develop new and innovative programming based on client needs and attorney interest, including:.
  • Develop and implement support strategies to address the needs of RIPL attorneys;
  • Recruit program participants;
  • With the SBM, coordinate annual boot camp (generally in April or May);
  • Create meaningful RIPL incentives based on feedback from attorneys;
  • Develop expectations for Fellows and implement policies and procedures;
  • Cultivate a coalition of legal and non-legal service providers to offer resources for participants to build successful and sustainable law practices;
• Work with MLSA staff and the Office of the Court Administrator to oversee the operation of the Montana Family Transition Project including:
  • Develop and implement program referral procedures;
  • Work with project partners to develop, refine, and implement court referral procedures;
  • Recruit, train, and support project mediators and attorney advisors;
  • Review cases and determine whether they qualify for program participation;
  • Develop expectations for program participants and implement policies and procedures.
• Communicate with MLSA colleagues about policies and guidelines regarding intake procedures, case routing processes, and other internal matters relevant to program coordination.
• Coordinate training and mentorship for program participants.
• Manage referral structure for participants, including assigning cases to participants and all case management in Legal Server.
• Assist with intakes as needed.
• Develop relationships with other incubator and rural practice programs across the country.
• Remain current on issues and initiatives related to legal incubators, rural practice, solo practice, modest means, non-profit practice, and poverty law.
• Other duties as assigned by Deputy Director, Director Advocacy, or MLSA's Executive Director.

• Prior legal services experience preferred, particularly experience working with low income populations or on issues that affect low income populations.
• Experience that provides an understanding of the legal needs and challenges arising out of poverty.
• Experience with volunteers or volunteering.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment with multiple timelines.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple activities and tasks.
• Knowledge and proficiency in utilizing computer software such as MS Excel, MS Word/Works, computer-based research, internet-based project management programs, and other computer-related skills as necessary.
• Ability to use technologies to communicate with colleagues and volunteers in rural and remote locations.
• Willingness to learn and further develop technology skills and abilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collegially as a team member.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage projects.
• Ability to travel.
• A commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to people living in poverty.
• Ability to interface well with the public.